Overview & Reviews

The Kia Rio has traditionally been this Korean automaker's least expensive model. Early on, the Rio represented an affordable, though pretty forgettable, mode of transportation. The second-generation model represented a marked improvement in features and comfort, and the Rio became more pleasant to drive. The latest Rio is another leap forward thanks to its evocative styling, peppy engine and an abundance of interior space.

The Kia Rio is offered in both sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. They have identical mechanicals and interior components, though the hatchback offers significantly more utility. In general, the newer the Rio you're looking at, the better it will be.

Current Kia Rio
The Kia Rio subcompact is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. There are three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque powers all Rio models. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, with a six-speed automatic optional. Both the EX and SX come only with the six-speed automatic.

Notable standard features on the base LX include air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and a stereo with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. The EX adds full power accessories, Bluetooth, cruise control and a telescoping steering wheel. The SX comes pretty loaded with alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a rearview camera, power-folding mirrors and Kia's "Uvo" voice-activated interface for electronics features. Major options include a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, leather seating, heated front seats and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've noted that the Kia Rio stands out thanks to its distinctive styling and design. The interior quality is a cut above other cars in its class, particularly in the upper trim levels. On the road, the Rio's engine provides respectable acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The car does have a couple minor downsides, such as an overly firm ride quality for the SX trim level. Overall, however, the Kia Rio is a front runner in the economy car segment.

Used Kia Rio Models
Completely redesigned for 2012, the third-generation Kia Rio represents a large leap forward in terms of refinement and available luxury features. Compared to earlier Rios, it's roomier and more stylish both inside and out. It's also more powerful and fuel-efficient. There have been only minimal changes since its debut.

Previous to this was the second-generation Kia Rio, produced from 2006-'11. It was offered as a sedan and four-door hatchback (called the Rio5). The base model was restricted to the sedan and was the definition of "sparsely equipped." Both body styles were offered in LX trim (which added air-conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player), while a sporty SX trim added alloy wheels and special styling items.

Power for all second-generation Kia Rios came from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 110 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. Despite the Rio's tiny dimensions, this engine struggled to provide anything more than adequate motivation in everyday driving. Models with five-speed manual transmissions delivered better acceleration and city fuel economy, while the automatic fared better in regard to highway mileage.

Initially, the SX trim was exclusive to the Rio5 hatchback. For 2007, the Rio sedan SX was introduced, while the Rio5 could be had in LX form for 2008. Models prior to 2010 had slightly different styling depending on trim, while cruise control and Bluetooth were added to the available features list that year. Antilock brakes were available as a highly recommended option on the LX sedan and the Rio5 SX, which replaced the standard rear drums with disc brakes. The five-speed manual transmission was standard on all trims, with a four-speed automatic being optional. For 2011, the manual transmission was only available on the LX.

The Rio's interior was pretty nice, with a pleasant mix of materials. The car also drove reasonably well. Buyers should be aware that the Rio has had some disappointing crash test scores. On the whole, a 2006-'11 Kia Rio is a decent choice for an inexpensive car, though some competing subcompacts from Japan will likely prove more enjoyable overall.

The first-generation Kia Rio was introduced for the 2001 model year. The sedan came first and Kia followed up with the Rio Cinco hatchback for 2002. Both were among the least expensive cars in their classes. Unfortunately, the trade-off was limited feature content and a thoroughly unpleasant driving experience.

Based on reviews by our editors and Rio owners, the car delivered what its price promised -- simple, affordable transportation, but little more. Complaints centered on its noisy, unrefined engine, poorly controlled ride and shoddy build quality. Although the Rio's low residual value makes it convincingly cheap on the used market, this is not a car we can recommend. If you are determined to buy a used Kia Rio, it's best to go with a 2003 or newer model, as these benefited from a more powerful engine (104 hp versus 96), an improved suspension and a higher-quality interior.

User Reviews:

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  my zip car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By paul salim - July 13 - 1:33 am

  I love this little car. My main car is a Ford 150 Super. I bought this little Kia Rio for when I dont need a truck to save on gas. I am a tall big guy, and it is very comfortable. I love the pickup of a stick, i am amazed at how good of a car it is for the price. I have almost 17,000 miles on it and zero problems (knock on wood). Love it.

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  its great! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Kaysie - July 9 - 5:10 am

  I have a 2001, and its an awesome car. Its very reliable, and it is very stylish as well. One of my favorite things about it is how it doesnt use a ton of gas at one time, it is very conservative about gas usage. I really cant think of any major drawbacks to it, it is an all around great car. Ive had it for 5 years and it hasnt let me down yet!

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  Not for long trips - 2001 Kia Rio
  By JPender - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Kia Rio over the last year. It appears to be well made and even if it is not, the warranty covers it! My biggest concern is that the seats are incredibly stiff. Kia took the time to put an arm rest (wonderful!!!) and multiple seat adjustments, but skimped out on the cushion. Cruise control would have been a nice option. Another problem is the lack of mechanics willing to work on them. The dealer is too high. (as all are) I will probably not buy another one because of the seats and lack of mechanics. But overall I am happy.

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  Good First car - 2002 Kia Rio
  By hamerman - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is just great. I bought one for my son, and the car seems very well built. For reliability, I had to put a "9" because I am not sure about Kia. It is a new company.

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  KIA RIO PINGING BAD?USE PREMIUM GAS --ECO MODE OFF! - 2012 Kia Rio
  By worknman - June 26 - 7:08 am

  Our Kia developed a severe pinging issue running regular gas especially with the ECO mode on. The Kia Forum website states that Kia is running a series of ecm ( engine control computer ) software patches to solve this issue. Many people on that forum have had the patches done and these patches have largely only helped for a few weeks before the bad pinging came back. I finally decided that I didnt want to destroy my engine no matter how great the Kia warranty supposedly is. I started using PREMIUM - NAME BRAND GAS AND TURNED THE ECO MODE OFF. After four gas tanks full of this, our Kia is running and shifting better and smoother then it ever did new. more below-

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  Get What You Give - 2005 Kia Rio
  By grinddesigns - June 24 - 3:23 pm

  Follow your owners manual like it is a Bible. You must change your engine timing belt at 60,000 miles ! Please do not make the same mistake that I did. If you search the Internet about this you will find 1,000 other people saying this, trust me change that timing belt at 60,000 and you wont be sorry. I never had a problem with this vehicle that was not because of my own negligence. If you change your oil regularly, keep an eye on all of your fluids, and be sure to change the timing belt at 60k, this car will be worth the money. This was my first vehicle and I learned costly lessons from not following the regular maintenance schedule so I advise you to follow most of it to a t.

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  My newly purchaced used Rio. - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Marc Trainor - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Im basically pleased with the car. Its a lot like my old Honda Civic I had with a 5 speed manual, but to me the Honda just "feels" and looks like it has better build quality. I only have 22K miles on it, so I guess only time will tell if it holds up. It doesnt have the power my Mitsubishi Galant has, but my Galant only gets 23 mpg city driving. My only other real beef is that Im only getting 27.5 mpg with the Rio with combined city/highway driving. Other than that, its a snappy little "bundle" with decent trunk room and back seat and has a fair amount of pep as long as your not trying to pass someone going up hill.

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  03 cinco - 2004 Kia Rio
  By rocshaafl - June 19 - 10:00 am

  the car has some major rattleing problems with the back hatch and the cobby hold next to the overhead lights

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  06 Kia Rio LX - 2006 Kia Rio
  By kiario06 - May 27 - 4:00 am

  The new designed Kia Rio is awesome. Much roomier than the older models. My husband can actually stretch his legs all the way out - in the 04 he couldnt. Great on gas. Handling has improved along with shocks. Comes standard with 6 airbags. If there is a person under 70 lbs sitting in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag actually turns off. aA light comes up by the radio indicating that it has been shut off. This feature is in case you have a child in the front seat, or a dog in my case, the airbag wont go off to cause more damage to them in case of an accident. If you dont wear seatbelts I wouldnt buy this car. Chime goes off every 15 seconds if youre not wearing one until you click it in.

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  2013 Kia Rio LX - A great value! - 2013 Kia Rio
  By Robert Ricchio - May 25 - 4:18 am

  This car is a great value! We needed a second car. Just purchased so I am not yet sure of the reliability on this model, but it does seem solid! Drives much better than the price. Built in trip computer is great. Supposedly, Cruise can be added by just adding a switch kit under $100. Everything else is already there. Amazing that a shop will try to charge you just under$500 to put it in. (typical). I also own a 2014 Sportage ( great price and value for a Crossover) and gave my son our 2004 Spectra that now has 190,000 miles. My daughter owns a 2015 Soul. No complaints. They are very reliable for the cost.